Leading US industrial silica sand producers remain upbeat about the outlook for the industry for the coming quarter despite the severe slide in demand seen since the start of the year as speculation grows that the recession is easing.
Demand for foundry, glass, and fracturing sand had dramatically dropped since the start of the year, with some market leaders questioned reporting declines close to 50% in sales over 2008 and for most of 2009 to date.
“Business has been very slow but we believe that we’ve hit a bottom and that certain markets are now starting to pick up”, said one leading producer based in the Midwest. ...